PSYCHOLOGISTS
FOR PEACE
Psychologists for Peace have prepared a list of ways to promote peace in 2015.
Ten Ways You Can Promote Peace
1. Develop your understanding of the frames of mind that promote conflict and
violence against another group.

the perception that another group threatens our well-being

a sense of uncertainty about our safety and security

the belief that our own group is superior to another group.
2. Develop your understanding of the strong emotions that underpin conflict and
violence.

Anger about a provoking event and fear of future events can support an
aggressive orientation towards others.

If anger and fear develop into hatred, others are likely to be perceived as
evil; thereby, supporting harmful intentions towards them.
3. Pay attention to the ways that language and channels of communication are
used to support conflict and violence.

The lives of others may be devalued by public rhetoric and media reports
that reduce moral concern for them.

Beware that public beliefs may be shaped to condone violence against
another group and cast aggression in a morally positive frame.
4. Recognise that social inequalities are unjust and fuel misery, conflict and
violence.

Attune yourself to the social conditions that undermine individual and
collective well-being such as poverty and discrimination.

Advocate for equalities in human rights, health care, opportunities, safety
and security.
5. Dig beneath the surface level, negative stereotypes of another group to achieve
a deeper understanding of their identity and concerns.

Find ways for dialogue and collaborative interaction with people who have
diverse backgrounds, different perspectives, and dissimilar values.
6. Maintain a critical perspective toward the beliefs and actions of your own group.

Be willing to question authority, express dissent and offer constructive
alternatives when your own group’s actions cause harm or compromise
social justice and peaceful relations.
7. Recognise and appreciate experiences of shared humanity across diverse
groups.

Extend your perspective and empathy by focusing on the common joys
and sufferings of all humans.
8. Join groups that have a peace or social justice mission in order to reap the
benefits of mutual support and collective action.

Donate time and money to such causes.
9. Strive for humane understandings and harmonious relations in your own daily
life.

Learn about and use constructive ways to manage differences and resolve
conflict.

Practice forgiveness and acts of kindness.
10.Find ways to nourish your hope, commitment, and energy for peace.

Access information about successful peace initiatives.

Find role models to inspire you and like-minded others for support.
Bibliography
Bar-Tal, D. (2007). Sociopsychological foundations to intractable conflicts. American
Behavioral Scientist, 50, 1430-1453.
Christie, D. J., & Montiel, C. J. (2013). Contributions of Psychology to war and
Peace. American Psychologist, 68, 502-513.
Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Division of Social Policy and
Development. (2006). The international forum for social development. Social
Justice in an open world. The role of the United Nations. NY: United Nations
Leidner, B., Tropp, L. R., & Lickel, B. (2013). Bringing science to bear – on peace,
not war. Elaborating on Psychology’s potential to promote peace. American
Psychologist, 68, 514-526.
Nelson, L. I. (2014). Peace psychology should include the study of peaceful
individuals. American Psychologist, 69, 626.
Pinker, S. (2011). The better angels of our nature. A history of violence and
humanity. London, England: Penguin Books.